Morrison Government keeping independent cinema doors open in the Blue Mountains

Two independent cinemas in the Blue Mountains will receive a second funding boost from the Morrison Government to help keep the projectors rolling and staff on the books.

Glenbrook Cinema will receive $35,000 and The Edge in Katoomba will receive $60,000 under the government’s Supporting Cinemas’ Retention Endurance and Enhancement of Neighbourhoods (SCREEN) Fund.

Liberal Senator for Western Sydney, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, said the Morrison Government had listened to the sector and delivered – twice. 

“Liberal for Macquarie, Sarah Richards, who recently met with the owners of Glenbrook Cinema, has been persuasively making the case directly government about the need for more support,” Senator Payne said.

“These grants help cement our economic recovery by supporting local jobs, which is why Ms Richards advocated so strongly for this outcome.”

Administered by Screen Australia, the Government announced a second round of the SCREEN Fund in December 2021 to support independent cinema operators with grants of up to $85,000 if they have experienced significant declines in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Ben Curran, co-owner of Glenbrook Cinema with his wife, Fiona, welcomed the Morrison Government’s continued support.

“Glenbrook Cinema is extremely appreciative of this funding,” Mr Curran said,

“We have already upgraded our sound system and now have on order an upgrade to our projection system providing optimum sound and picture quality for our community.”

Senator Payne said there was still time other local independent cinemas to apply for funding.

“SCREEN Fund applications are open until 30 April 2022 or until total funds are committed, so I’ve reached out to Mount Vic Flicks and hope they consider making an application,” Senator Payne said.

For more information and to check eligibility, visit: https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/funding-and-support/covid-19-support/screen-fund.